The Nigerian government has announced the commencement of a routine recruitment exercise for diplomats across its 109 diplomatic missions worldwide, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
This development was disclosed in a circular signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. The circular, dated April 17, 2025, invited qualified Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to apply for both diplomatic and non-diplomatic positions. The recruitment process, according to the ministry, will be strictly merit-based.
The statement titled, "The Federal Government of Nigeria Begins Routine Recruitment of Diplomats in 109 Diplomatic Missions Worldwide" specified that applicants must be between the ages of 35 and 65.
Applicants are required to send their application letters and Curriculum Vitae (CV) via email to foreignaffairsnigerians@gmail.com, with copies forwarded to info@interior.gov.ng and info@foreignaffairs.gov.ng. Additionally, applicants must contact the Diplomatic Channels via Telegram at @diplomaticchannelsng to confirm receipt of their applications and avail themselves for a mandatory virtual screening (video interview) with officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
“All inquiries and queries are to be directed to the Diplomatic Channels Telegram @diplomaticchannelsng,” the circular further instructed.
The announcement comes months after President Bola Tinubu, in September 2023, ordered the recall of all career and non-career Nigerian ambassadors. Responding to inquiries about the recall, Minister Tuggar confirmed that it was a comprehensive move authorized by President Tinubu, emphasizing that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the President, who holds the authority to appoint or recall them as necessary.
In recent months, there have been reports suggesting that Tinubu’s administration had begun screening individuals for ambassadorship positions. Although no official confirmation had been provided at the time, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters in March 2025 that the Nigerian government was vetting potential candidates to head its more than 100 diplomatic missions. Appointments, the sources indicated, were expected to be announced "very soon."
The Reuters report highlighted that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and a key ally in West Africa’s fight against Islamist insurgency, had been without ambassadors since the mass recall in September 2023. It was further disclosed that financial constraints had delayed the appointment of new envoys, but efforts were now underway to resolve the situation. An intelligence official also revealed that Nigeria’s security services were conducting background checks on potential appointees, with findings being shared with the presidency and the National Assembly.
This large-scale recruitment marks a crucial step for Nigeria's diplomatic presence and engagement across the globe, signaling the administration’s renewed commitment to strengthening foreign relations and promoting national interests abroad.
